Investigators used special ultraviolet powder on a planted wallet

AND WHAT IT HAOEPBS FOR THE PORT MEANS FOR PORT POLICE OFFICERS AT 5:00. A GYM TEACHER HAS STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS JOB, AFTER BEING ARRESTED FOR STEALING MONEY FROM STUDENTS. WE WERE THERE ARE AS RODNEY BARNES WALKED OUT OF THE VOLUSIA COUNTY JAIL. AS NICOLE PERSECKY TELLS US HE'S NOT DENYING THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM. Reporter: AS RODNEY BARNES WALKED OUT OF JAIL, HE DIDN'T SAY MUCH. NO COMMENT. OFF CAMERA, HE WANTS THE SCHOOL TO KNOW HE MADE A MISTAKE. A FACE THAT LANDED HIM BEHIND BARS. AT FOOTBALL PRACTICE THE ASSISTANT COACH WASN'T IN THE FIELD OR IN A PE CLASS. WE HAD A SUB, WE WERE OUTSIDE, EVERYONE WAS TALKING ABOUT IT. THE GYM TEACHER AND COACH ADMITS HE WAS STEALING MONEY FROM STUDENTS IN THE LOCKER ROOM. PARENTS OF BARNES FOOTBALL PLAYER ARE STUNNED AND SO ARE STUDENTS. THERE IS A SIGN IN THE LOCKER ROOM, LIKE CAREFUL, LOCK YOUR STUFF IF THERE IS A THIEF, OH, COACH BARNES IS A THIEF, STEALING YOUR STUFF. PARENTS HOPE THERE IS A LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE. HOPING AND PRAYING THAT SOMETHING GOOD WILL COME OUT OF

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -

A New Smyrna Beach High School coach was arrested on Monday after deputies say he was stealing money from students' wallets.

Rodney Barnes, 43, a physical education teacher and assistant varsity football coach, has been charged with felony burglary and grand theft after a sting operation.

Deputies said more than $950 and a total of nine victims have been identified in the thefts in the boys' locker room over the last few months.

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"Operation Sticky Fingers" was brought on by Volusia County deputies after suspicions of a coach being involved in the thefts. In the investigation, deputies used a special powder that's invisible to the eyes. They coated several bills with the powder then left the money in a wallet in a student's locker. When the money disappeared, deputies and school administrators used a special ultraviolet light and found the powder glowing on Barnes' hands.

Barnes admitted to taking a $50 bill from the student’s wallet. He also admitted to several other thefts totaling $170. However, deputies are continuing to investigate more thefts than the ones to which Barnes initially admitted.

Barnes told Local 6, "I made a mistake," and said even if he were allowed back to the school, he would not go because he realizes staff and students have lost respect for him.

He was booked into the Volusia County jail on $3,000 bond but was able to post bail and walk out late Tuesday night.

Volusia County school officials said Barnes is not able to return the school "until he has met with the Professional Standards office and disciplinary action has been determined."

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